It is just normal that the delivery turn around time is one of the main issues that come up whenever a decision is made to transport a car from one part of the country to another. So whether you’re moving somewhere else, purchasing a car distant from you, or dispatching a vehicle to someone from your family, it is very vital that you know how long the transport will take and what kind of situations will have an impact on the duration of the journey.
This article is all about the time that a car is delivered from one side of the country to another and the factors that stem from the journey of shipping a car influence its duration. Here, along with these, we will tell you some tips on how to get your car ready for the transport and what will be the procedure. The knowledge of the long distance car shipping transit can help you to plan accordingly and make sure your car reaches its destination safe and in time.
What Causes Delays in Cross-Country Car Delivery Turnaround Times?
No single variable but a combination of factors determines the time it takes a car to be shipped from one point in the country to another. In fact, knowing these variables will help you to anticipate whether your car delivery time will be longer or shorter.
1. Distance Between the Locations for Pickup and Delivery
One of the main reasons for the changes in the car delivery turnaround times in cross-country shipping is the distance between the locations for pickup and delivery. Extending the distance between two points will, however, logically lead to a longer shipment. For instance, delivery of a car from New York to California will generally take more time than sending a car from New York to Florida due to the extra miles.
Long haul car shipments are usually slow across the United States. A typical period of 7 to 14 days is set for such shipments, and the distance is the deciding point on how many days it will take. Though other factors can bring the deadline closer, it is still advisable to plan for a slightly longer delivery time window.
2. Route and Transportation Conditions
The choice of route can have a say in the delivery waiting times as well. For instance, if your vehicle is going to a typical destination such as from one big city to another, the transport carrier is most likely to take the shortest and most convenient way. In contrast, if the route is uncommon or goes through less-populated areas, then finding a carrier might take longer, and the journey could be longer as well because of the terrain and road conditions.
In general, the transportation conditions that are at issue in this case could be road closures, construction, and traffic congestion which in turn would affect the shipping period. Although these factors are usually beyond the shipping company’s control, most transporters who are of good reputation would still be locating you about any problems met during transit.
3. Shipping Method: Open vs. Enclosed Transport
The transport type that you will decide to do will also have an impact on the amount of time that the delivery will take. There are two fundamental ways of car shipping, which are open and enclosed transport.
Open Transport: Open transport is the method that is mostly chosen by people when they want to ship their car across the country. It simply means that your car will be put on an open carrier together with other cars. This is generally cheaper and quicker than enclosed transport, but your car will still be exposed to the elements and the road. Usually open transport takes about 7 to 10 days for cross-country deliveries.
Enclosed Transport: Enclosed transport is a better option for security, especially, if it is a high-end, luxury, or classic car. Your vehicle will be moved in a completely enclosed trailer so that it is safe from the elements and the small particles on the road. Even though it is safer, the delivery is usually a little longer due to the limited number of carriers and the fact that there are fewer vehicles in an enclosed trailer. Delivery times of between 10 and 14 days for shipments across the country with enclosed transport are to be expected.
Whether you want to go with enclosed or open shipping depends on the car’s worth and how much you are willing to pay. Remember that open transport is the cheapest and most popular option, and even if it is a little longer, it still gives your car the least protection.
4. Seasonal Factors and Weather Conditions
The time of the year is also one of those factors that can greatly impact turnaround times of cross-country car delivery. Transport during winter is likely to be delayed due to snowstorms, and icy conditions, which will slow down the traveling and, thus, the delivery time (turnaround times). The same goes for the places that get very hot during the day in the summer; the delivery will take longer, especially if the area is only accessible via a few roads and there is a lot of traffic at that time.
Generally, summer and the period around the holidays are the times when vehicle shipping is at its most active. These are the seasons when the shipping services are in the most demand, and thus, there are often long waiting periods and the prices may be higher as well. At such times, the schedule of the carriers will probably be fully booked and it will be a long time before you get a spot for your vehicle. Besides that, the poor weather conditions that we usually experience during winter may also become the reasons for the delays you are going to face in your shipments.
5. Carrier Availability and Scheduling Flexibility
How easy it is for the carrier to be available is also a primary factor that has a great impact on the shipping times. Companies offering the shipping service have to be in a position to come up with the necessary schedules for both the pick-up and the delivery which should be coordinated with those carriers who are available. It usually happens that there is a lot of demand for transport especially during the peak seasons or when you are on a busy route. In such a case, it will be a long process before you can find a vehicle for your transport that matches the carrier.
If you want to increase the chances of a timely slot, then you should be flexible with your dates for the pickup and delivery. The company that is responsible for the shipping will coordinate with you in adjusting the place and time according to availability and ensuring that the car is transported the shortest time possible.
How to Speed Up Cross-Country Car Delivery
If you are in a hurry and want to fast track your car shipment, you can take some steps to speed up the process:
1. Select Expedited Shipping
There are some car shipping companies that provide the option of a speedy delivery for an extra charge. Expedited shipping ensures a quicker start and delivery, thus almost halving the overall transport time. If you really have to make a choice quickly and get the car delivery at the earliest possible time, it might be a good idea to go with this alternative.
2. Evaluate Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
If you are picked up and dropped off at any places and have enough mobility, you could go for terminal-to-terminal transport instead of door-to-door. Transporting the car at the terminal-to-terminal will allow you to drop and pick your vehicle at the designated transport terminals, thereby making the shipping process go faster and delivery be so.
3. Book in Advance
It is possible to do the last-minute booking and have your car transported across the country. However, if you book your car shipment in advance, you can not only have more time to find a carrier that has a free spot and that the timing suits your needs, but you can also enjoy the so-called ‘early booking’ benefits. An early booking essentially means that the coordination efforts will be successful and the processing will be done at a quicker pace.
4. Provide Complete and Accurate Information
First and foremost, knowing your car’s make and model, along with the pickup and delivery addresses, and the dates you would prefer, would be most helpful when you go to book your transport service to your car. It enables a shipping company to pick the best route and find the most efficient carrier for the job, which in turn, lessens the possibility of waiting.
It is a must-have piece of knowledge for a successful car shipment that one should be familiar with the turnaround times of the cross-country car delivery The carrier’s delivery may be within 7 to 14 days; however, there are so many factors that could affect this time, such as the route, the distance, weather, and availability of the carrier. If you take into account these conditions and do your pre-planning, then you can rest assured that your car is going to arrive at the destination safe and in time.
At Car Shipping Auto, we are the first choice to take your car across the country and provide the transport within the agreed time and without any hassles. No matter how far it is, our team is always ready to carry your vehicle in a safe and effective way. Reach out to us for an individualized quote and get to know how we can facilitate your automobile transportation.
